In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a Virtual Network in eEVOS. A Virtual Network is an ideal choice for environments where complex VLAN configurations are not required, providing a straightforward way to connect your virtual machines (VMs) to the physical network infrastructure.
What is a Virtual Network?
A Virtual Network in eEVOS allows VMs to communicate with each other and external networks by bridging the VM’s virtual network interface to the physical network interface card (NIC) on the host. This setup is perfect for scenarios where VMs need to be connected to the external network with minimal configuration. The bridged connection ensures that VMs are treated as if they were directly connected to the physical network, making it easy to integrate them into your existing network infrastructure.
Key Benefits:
- Simplicity: Virtual Networks offer a straightforward solution without the need for complex VLAN management.
- Direct Bridging: VM traffic is directly bridged to the physical NIC, allowing for seamless communication with other networked devices.
- Ease of Use: Setting up a Virtual Network is quick and intuitive, making it ideal for simple network requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Virtual Network
To create a Virtual Network in eEVOS, follow these steps:
1. Access the Virtual Network Configuration
Begin by navigating to the “Network” section in the eEVOS management interface. Then, click on “Virtual Networks” and select “Create Virtual Network.”
Select Virtual Network Type
In the next step, you will be prompted to select the network type. Choose “Virtual Network” as it is the best choice when no complex VLAN configuration is necessary.
Select Individual Network Ports on Each Node
You will now select the individual network port on each node that will be used to bridge the Virtual Network to the external network. Only ports that are either set to static IP or not currently configured will be available for selection. This ensures that the selected port is dedicated to the Virtual Network, avoiding conflicts with other network services.
Note: The selected network port on each node will be responsible for carrying the VM traffic to and from the physical network, so ensure that the chosen port is connected to the appropriate physical network infrastructure.
Completion and Overview
After selecting the network ports, the Virtual Network setup is complete. The newly created Virtual Network will now appear in the Virtual Networks overview. You can now assign this network to the virtual ports of your VMs, enabling them to communicate with other devices on the network.
Best Practices for Virtual Networks
- Port Selection: Ensure that the physical NICs selected for the Virtual Network are connected to the appropriate switch or network segment to avoid any network isolation issues.
- Redundancy: If possible, use network bonding on the physical NICs to provide redundancy and improve network reliability for your VMs.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor the network performance of your Virtual Network to ensure it meets the needs of your VMs and adjust the configuration if necessary.
By following these steps, you can easily create and manage a Virtual Network in eEVOS, allowing your VMs to connect to external networks efficiently and effectively. This setup is ideal for users who need a simple, yet powerful networking solution without the complexities of advanced VLAN configurations.